We’re Back With News

WDWNT on February 16, 2008

Here is what we missed during our short downtime:

-Splash Mountain is once again operating at the Magic Kingdom. The ride was not suppose to re-open until February 18th.

-The Earful Tower at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is recieving its new logo:

Hi Definition Video (720p):  Click Here

-The Pirate and Princess Parties at the Magic Kingdom may be recieving a new name in the near future, Mickey’s Pirate and Princess Party.

After a short period of closure this week, Spaceship Earth at Epcot has re-opened with an enhanced descent portion.

-The descent now features some triangle panels that light up above you (again matching the panels on the outside of SSE).

-A new video has replaced the stars and trivia segment while you wait for your future to be created on the touch screen.

-The interactive map has returned, and now adds your ride photo to the giant globe in the Project Tomorrow post show area.

-There are some new kiosks near the globe that are not yet operational, but once they are, you will be able to email photos and even the “your future” video from the attraction to anyone.

We will obtain some pictures of these updates as soon as we can, but as you know, we are having our own refurbishment problems.

News & Notes From Mickey Monitor

WDWNT on February 10, 2008

Here are some notable news bites from the annual passholder publication, The Mickey Monitor:

-In Toy Story Mania at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, vehicles will make full stops at various booths, giving guests a little more time to experience each of the attractions various shooting games.

-As stated a few months ago, some of the Toy Story Mania attraction’s show scenes will feature special effects that are activated as you hit various targets, such as blasts of air and water.

-Dates for Annual Passholder previews of Toy Story Mania should be announced soon. Stay tuned to WDW News Today for more information.

-Annual Passholders can purchase discount tickets and get VIP fireworks seating during some upcoming Pirate and Princess Parties at the Magic Kingdom by going to disneyworld.com/passholder

-Using four vouchers in the Mickey Monitor, passholders can pick up a set of four special lithographs made just for them at all four Walt Disney World Resort theme parks.

Jose Eber Update 2/6/08

WDWNT on February 7, 2008

Staff member Jose Eber has provided us with some live updates from the Walt Disney World Resort:

-Monorail Black returned from its refurbishment today. The monorail now has the four central handrails much like the other ten monorails which have already received the renovations. Monorail Red headed in for refurbishment today and is the last to recieve the modifications.

-The Earful Tower at Disney’s Hollywood Studios has received a glossy black finish on its ears and should receive its finishing touches any day now. The Animation Archway at the studios should receive new signage around the same time.

-The new marble tile at the Grand Floridian should be installed in the next 1-2 weeks.

-In what has become a frequent occurence, Space Mountain broke down and went out of commission at about 11:45 today. One wonders how much longer the big refurbishment for the Magic Kingdom attraction can be put off.

Stars and Motorcars Changes

WDWNT on February 6, 2008

In order to accommodate work on the upcoming Block Party Bash parade at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, some changes have been made to the Stars and Motorcars Parade route. Staff member Sparky LD is reporting:

As of February 1, the Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade now starts at the gate near Sid Cahuenga’s One of a Kind shop near the front of the park. It then progresses down Hollywood Boulevard and turns left in front of the Sorcerer’s Hat, following the regular parade route. It passes in front of Star Tours and continues down the hill past Tatooine Traders. It then turns left and exits the park at the gate near MuppetVision 3D.

Movies and a Makeover

WDWNT on February 4, 2008

Our friend Jim Hill over at JimHillMedia.com is reportingtoday that a new revamped concept of The Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique currently operating at both the Magic Kingdom and Downtown Disney will be making its way over to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in the near future. The new version of the boutique will still offer makeovers to both little girls and boys, however, these makeovers will be themed to the Disney Channel favorites High School Musical and Hannah Montana. You can read Jim’s entire report on this developement at this link.

Toy Story Mania Update

WDWNT on February 3, 2008

News has been slow about the upcoming Toy Story Mania attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, but here are some small bits of information we have been able to pick up on:

-The new Pixar Place area is expected to be open sometime between March 20 and April 1, 2008.

-Soft Openings for Toy Story Mania are expected to begin between April 15 and May 1, 2008.

-The official opening of the attraction should be during the second week of June at both Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World and Disney’s California Adventure at the Disneyland Resort.

We will try to provide more on the attraction as we get closer to opening day. None of the notes above have been officially confirmed, but are highly likely.

Weekend Round-up

WDWNT on January 1, 1970

What is already starting to be a very interesting weekend has begun here at WDW News Today, and here are some news and notes to bring you up to speed:

-Rumors are swirling about a video that appeared on the Walt Disney World cast member website that provided full details on the next attraction coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, a Monsters Inc. themed roller coaster. The video was apparently pulled from the site fairly quickly, yet we can still not confirm that these reports or that the video actually exists. Be sure to keep you eyes on WDW News Today as more info becomes available on this rumored project.

-Here’s a picture of the progress of the new north wing at Disney’s Contemporary Resort (provided by Jason Diffendal’s sister):

Notice that the glass and exterior on most of the building is nearing completion

-On a final note, if you are attending the MagicMeets fan gathering this weekend, be sure to look out for myslef and Jason Diffendal who will be representing WDW News Today and WDWCelebrations.

Disney Parks Management Shake Up Shakes Up Fans

WDWNT on January 1, 1970

What began quietly with a job swap between Hollywood Studios VP Rilous Carter and Epcot VP Dan Cockerell has now exploded into a full Disney Parks management shake-up. In the days following, Walt Disney Parks and Resort president Al Weiss “retired” after 39 years with the company, prompting Walt Disney Parks and Resorts chairman Tom Staggs to announce that the position would not be filled. Now, the plans become clear…

Walt Disney World president Meg Crofton now finds herself as president, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Operations, U.S. and France. No longer is she only president over Disney World, but now over the Disneyland Resort & Disneyland Resort Paris as well. Crofton has been president of Walt Disney World since 2006 and has been with the company for over 30 years.

Karl Holz, president, New Vacation Operations and Disney Cruise Line, will take on a new leading role for Disney Vacation Club, in addition to maintaining roles at Disney Cruise Line, Adventures by Disney and Aulani.

What does this change mean for the Disney Parks and Resorts during this time of rapid expansion? Probably good things. Disneyland Resort & Disneyland Resort Paris have not been sound in theme park operations. Basic crowd for control for parades & shows at Disneyland are a nightmare, the way shops and restaurants are operated are appalling, and on too many occasions I have seen hourly cast members handle guests in the most un-Disney ways. Upkeep of the parks is no better in California either, I have seen my share of ride breakdowns and missing/non-working effects on the west coast. As for Disneyland Paris, the recent boost in funds for park upkeep are no doubt coming from management shake-ups there.

Some fans are heralding this as the beginning of another dark age for the Parks and Resorts, which is probably a little overdramatic. Under this management, Florida and California are seeing the biggest construction projects in their history and Disneyland Paris is slowly turning the corner on two decades of under performance. Without a doubt, the future of the Parks and Resorts will be announced at the D23 Expo, projects that will take us beyond Cars Land and the Fantasyland Expansion. I think only at that point can we judge if the direction is for better or for worse.